A Season of Thanks: Reflecting on Progress and Partnerships in Lung Cancer Care

Dr. Robert Jotte, Disease Chair, Lung Cancer Research Executive Committee, SCRI at @Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers , discusses the state of lung cancer, the crucial role clinical trials play, and the power of research in offering new hope to patients.

Lung cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can impact all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds. Everyone is at risk, making the need for better treatment options more critical than ever.

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As any oncologist and researcher will tell you, collaboration, clinical trials, and the sharing of ideas are key to advancing cancer treatment options. In this season of gratitude and to celebrate Lung Cancer Awareness Month, I’d like to highlight the various entities working to develop new methods of treatment for lung cancer patients. ?

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Gratitude for Doctors

I’m often asked, “how did you know you wanted to work in lung oncology?” – and the truth is, I didn’t.

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As a medical student pursuing both my MD and PhD, I was drawn to the molecular mechanisms in biology. This dual path gave me the opportunity to dive deep into scientific research while also understanding its clinical applications. When I began practicing in the hospital setting, I realized that oncology was a field that perfectly bridged these two worlds, allowing me to explore new therapeutic targets and directly apply scientific advancements to patient care. It was an exciting time to enter oncology, and my unique training has played a key role in shaping my approach at the intersection of both research and patient treatment.

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I wasn’t initially sure which subspecialty I’d pursue, but by chance, I connected with two physicians at the University of Colorado who became my mentors. Their guidance sparked a passion that changed the trajectory of my career, and I’m forever grateful for their teachings, lessons, and the training I received under their supervision.

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Gratitude for Medical Advancements

I recall a time early in my career where I had two patients, both of whom presented with aggressive stage 4 lung cancer, a devastating diagnosis for both. I still remember their reactions as we discussed the next steps and what they would entail. At the time, we were fortunate to have three main treatment options: cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Now, we have many more options to explore.

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After taking some time to process their life-altering diagnosis, we started pulling out all the stops for them, employing a combination of therapies to give them the best chance of survival. Miraculously, both were fortunate to be among the 5% of patients at the time who survived stage 4 lung cancer, and I’m lucky to still have them as patients today – 20 years later. Every time I see them, I’m reminded of how grateful I am to work in a field that brings groundbreaking medical innovation - and small miracles - every day. Through two decades of medical advances, there are groups of patients now that are surviving a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis longer than ever.

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Gratitude for Research

Research and clinical trials are the foundation of how we transform cancer care and innovation. They are how we discover new treatments that are better than the ones before. At @Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers and @Sarah Cannon Research Institute, we are at the forefront of these efforts, working tirelessly to progress from what was once strictly cytotoxic chemotherapy to now offering options like precision therapy and immunotherapy, establishing the standard of care for tomorrow.

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These trials not only give patients access to innovative treatments, but they also help shape the future of cancer care. Our collaborations with more than 1,300 physicians across the SCRI network nationwide allow us to rapidly share knowledge, analyze outcomes, and continuously improve the standard of care. The work we do at SCRI and RMCC accelerates the discovery of new treatments, ensuring that more patients have access to lifesaving therapies.

I am proud to be part of this network that is committed to advancing research and improving patient outcomes. Every clinical trial we conduct, and every new treatment we discover, brings us one step closer to defeating lung cancer. And for that, I’m immensely grateful.

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Gratitude for Patients

Thanks to recent clinical trials - and the patients who enroll we’re able to offer more patients hope for remission. Enrolling in a trial is a true act of selflessness. These patients are signing up to receive what could be tomorrow’s standard of care today, and their courage is immeasurable. If you or a loved one have enrolled in a clinical trial, you are among the individuals I am most grateful for.